Posted on Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Planning your next holiday or getaway is always exciting.

But whether you’re a free-spirited traveller looking for independent holidays, or seeking the comfort of a complete flight, hotel and car hire package, things always start out the same way…making the bookings.

Of course, there’s a huge range of online holiday companies and travel agents on hand, with two main avenues to go down – the package holiday or separate booking. Both have their plus points and drawbacks…

So, to help your 2022 travel plans get off on the right foot, we have produced this handy guide to help you decide the best route for you.

 

Package holidays

Before you start:

• When booking a package holiday, ALWAYS make sure your operator is a member of ABTA and ATOL as well as the Travel Trust Association (TTA). This will ensure you are protected against all manner of issues, including your travel operator going bust.
• Take your time and do your research properly. Don’t leave anything to chance. Check out online reviews of your tour operator and also the individual hotels and resorts that you’re considering.
• Look for reviews away from your operators own website to read what travellers themselves made of their experience. Sites like Tripadvisor are your best friend.
• Shop around to find the package and price that works best for you.

What are the advantages of package holidays?

Package holidays require the bare minimum of planning

If you’re the kind of traveller for whom the holiday only starts when you arrive at your resort, then the package holiday is probably for you.

Booking is easy. Simply choose the basics and the travel agent and tour operator do the rest.

All you must do is turn up at the airport on time and get ready to chill.

 

Transfers are usually included in package holidays

Most package holidays will come with transfers between the airport and your hotel or resort included. This can make life so much easier, removing the headache of having to find a taxi and pay a hefty fare.

 

Package holidays are family-friendly

Package holidays are designed to cater for every member of the family. Very often, kids’ clubs and evening entertainment is all laid on and so there’s no need to think about things like keeping the little ones occupied.

 

Package holidays are often kinder on the wallet

Package holidays are often best for those on a budget as you know up front what’s included and what’s not.

This makes it easier to save up, plan ahead and avoid any costly financial surprises.

 

Activities are planned for you

Every tour operator worth its salt has thought about the things you might like to do on your holiday so that you don’t have to.

If there’s a big attraction like a waterpark or theme park nearby, an historical site to be explored or a cultural experience like a local wine-tasting to be enjoyed, they will already have made the necessary arrangements.

You will almost certainly be able to opt-in to any excursions or activities that interest you for a fixed fee at the time of booking or once you arrive at your resort.

Chances are lots of free activities will be thrown in by your resort too.

Dinner’s ready

Taking a package holiday means you can avoid even having to think of food and drinks for the family.

Many resorts now, particularly the larger ones, offer a variety of cuisines and dining options on site.

This means you don’t have to walk into the local town every day on the hunt for a restaurant or bar everyone’s happy with.

For the ultimate in luxury and convenience, look for all-inclusive options where all meals, drinks and even tips are covered whilst in the resort.

Full board options will give you three meals a day, often served as a buffet or from a set-menu, but you’ll likely pay for most of your drinks.

And half-board will give you two meals per day, usually breakfast and either lunch or dinner.

 

Package holiday bolt-ons

Booking a package holiday doesn’t mean you’re confined to a resort and can’t do your own thing.

Combining the relaxation of a package holiday with the freedom to travel is easy, as most operators give you the option of building car hire into your package at the time of booking.

Most resorts will also have car rental desks in-house should you wish to go exploring after you arrive.

 

Independent booking

Booking your trip independently is the best option for those who like to do their own thing at their own pace.

If you prefer the idea of flexibility and spontaneity and enjoy the planning of your trips almost as much as you enjoy being there, then this could be the way to go.

Independent booking gives you the total freedom to make your own choices and tailor the experience that’s exactly right for you.

Before you start:

• Make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance in place to cover all aspects of your trip. Click here for a Start Travel quote.
• Do your research and do it thoroughly. Be sure to check out sites like Tripadvisor.co.uk and TrustPilot for everything, from your airline to your hotels and restaurants.
• When booking trips that require connecting flights, make sure you factor in time for any unforeseen delays and travelling between gates in airports.

The advantages of independent holiday bookings

The flights

Booking independently will give you the ability to choose any airport, any airline and seating class. You can also shop around and use comparison sites to find the best deal.

Let’s not forget, you’ll also have the chance of bagging yourself a dream upgrade to a posher seat!

 

Independently booked holidays can broaden your horizons

While package holidays will usually take you to a single destination for the duration of your holiday or, on occasion, dual destinations (e.g. city and beach or beach and safari), booking independently allows you to roam ‘til your heart’s content.

Perhaps you fancy a different hotel every night. Or maybe you plan on hiring a car or taking a train to explore off the beaten track, the choice is yours.

 

Eat anything, anywhere

While package holidays often leave you with a restricted choice at mealtimes, independent booking lets you eat what you want, when you want.

Let’s say you stumble across some fantastic street food or an amazing restaurant… You’ll be free to enjoy it and won’t feel guilty because you’ve pre-paid for a meal in resort as part of your package.

Independent holiday bookings offer a bigger choice of accommodation

When it comes to your accommodation, booking independently means the world’s your oyster.

Fancy a hotel that’s a bit more boutique? No problem.

Or, maybe, you don’t fancy a hotel at all and would instead prefer renting an apartment, house or villa through a site like Airbnb. Again, you have total freedom.

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